Cat & Dog Parasite Prevention in Indianapolis

Fleas, Ticks, Heartworm & other Parasites

Parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health and your family’s safety. Parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening illnesses in pets. Some parasites can even spread diseases to humans, making prevention a priority for every pet owner.

Common Parasites That May Affect Your Dog or Cat

• Roundworms 
• Hookworms 
• Whipworms 
• Tapeworms 
• Heartworms 
• Fleas and Ticks 
• Mange Mites 
• Coccidia 
• Giardia  

The Importance of Protecting Your Pet from Parasites

Parasites don’t just cause itching, they can seriously harm your pet.

• Fleas: Cause itching, allergic reactions, hair loss, and can transmit tapeworms.
• Ticks: Can lead to anemia and transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
• Heartworms: Can cause heart failure, lung disease, and even be fatal if untreated.
• Internal Parasites (Worms): May cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.

Protecting Your Family from Parasites

Parasite prevention isn’t just about safeguarding your pet—it’s also about reducing risks for your household. Here’s how to minimize exposure: 

• Eliminate Parasites in Pets: Regularly use preventative medications. 
• Limit Access to Contaminated Areas: Keep pets away from sandboxes, high-traffic pet zones, and similar environments. 
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands after handling pets and avoid touching pet waste. 
• Dispose of Pet Waste Properly: Regular cleanup helps remove parasite eggs before they spread. 

Year-Round Parasite Prevention in Pets

Parasites can be a threat at any time of the year, making continuous protection essential to keep them safe and healthy. 

• External Parasites: Fleas and ticks can survive indoors during winter, maintaining their life cycle.
• Internal Parasites: Intestinal parasites can infect pets at any time of year, where heartworm can be contracted by mosquitoes and other pests seem less active.

Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Pet Parasite Free

• Use Year-Round Preventative Treatments: Flea, tick, and heartworm medications are critical.
• Feed Pets Safely: Provide only cooked or prepared foods, avoiding raw meats.
• Maintain Hygiene: Clean up pet feces regularly to limit parasite spread.
• Minimize Risk Areas: Avoid high-traffic pet zones and contaminated environments.
• Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Annual exams and parasite testing ensure early detection.
• Deworming: Follow your veterinarian’s deworming recommendations.

At your next visit, our veterinarians will evaluate your pet’s risk and help you implement effective year-round preventative measures. For dogs, this includes options like Bravecto Quantum, which provides 12 months of continuous flea and tick protection with a single dose.

Protect your furry friend—and your family—with a customized parasite control plan. Call us at (317) 516-5921 to schedule an appointment and keep your pet safe, healthy, and pest-free!